Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HJR0083 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

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2	2	<BillNo> <Sponsor>
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4	4	HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 83
5	5	By Chism
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8	8	HJR0083
9	9	002452
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12	12	A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of William J. Chism, Sr.
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14	14	WHEREAS, we were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of William J. Chism, Sr., a
15	15	beloved gentleman and family patriarch whose legacy of integrity, hard work, and spiritual
16	16	commitment will continue to inspire others; and
17	17	WHEREAS, born on July 16, 1944, in Hubert, Arkansas, William Chism was the first
18	18	child born to Ray and Dorothy Chism; he professed his hope in Christ and was baptized at New
19	19	Salem Church in West Memphis, Arkansas, where his father and uncle, James "Buddy" Chism,
20	20	served as deacons; and
21	21	WHEREAS, a standout football player at Melrose High School, Mr. Chism was awarded
22	22	the prestigious title of "The Gridiron Greatest," which recognized him as the top football player in
23	23	Memphis, and local radio station WDIA honored his athletic prowess with a gold watch; and
24	24	WHEREAS, William Chism served his country as a member of the United States Army,
25	25	and he worked at Armor Meat Packing before joining his three brothers, who had ventured into
26	26	the retail grocery business, a fortuitous endeavor that resulted in several stores operating under
27	27	the moniker "Chism Trail"; and
28	28	WHEREAS, together, the Chism brothers built the largest Black-owned supermarket
29	29	chain in Tennessee history; in addition to their retail success, they served as the building
30	30	contractors for many of the commercial buildings where they operated, solidifying their influence
31	31	in Memphis; and
32	32	WHEREAS, under the Chism Trail flagship, the family business employed hundreds of
33	33	individuals in the community, as many as 300 people at its peak, cultivating a culture of
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38	38	entrepreneurship and business acumen and empowering future generations to pursue their own
39	39	paths to success; and
40	40	WHEREAS, William Chism was also a lover of the outdoors and a true cowboy at heart,
41	41	earning him the nickname "Wild Bill"; he owned and rode horses, built a barn in the backyard of
42	42	his Memphis home in Lakeview Gardens, and bought a farm where he and his sons spent time
43	43	connecting with nature; and
44	44	WHEREAS, a man of abiding faith throughout his lifetime, Mr. Chism served as a
45	45	deacon at Mt. Bethel Church, sang background with his father in the Magnolia Specials, and
46	46	attended Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with his wife in later years; and
47	47	WHEREAS, he was also wholly devoted to his family and was revered as the Chism
48	48	family patriarch, leading by example through wisdom, accountability, strength, and purpose and
49	49	inspiring his progeny to greatness; and
50	50	WHEREAS, Mr. Chism is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Norma; children,
51	51	Angela, William, Jr., Stephanie, Jesse, Justin, and Jerome; thirteen grandchildren; four great-
52	52	grandchildren; ten siblings; and a host of nieces and nephews; and
53	53	WHEREAS, throughout his many endeavors in both public and private life, William
54	54	Chism distinguished himself as a devoted family man who served his community in myriad
55	55	ways; and
56	56	WHEREAS, it is fitting that we should pay tribute to his bountiful life of purpose and
57	57	commitment; now, therefore,
58	58	BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED
59	59	FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE
60	60	CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of William J. Chism, Sr., reflecting fondly upon his
61	61	enduring legacy in Memphis and beyond.
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66	66	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we extend our sympathy and offer our condolences
67	67	to the family and loved ones of Mr. Chism.
68	68	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
69	69	for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
70	70	the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
71	71	without House or Senate designation.